Padded Cycling Shorts Optimized for Wear Throughout All Stages of Pregnancy

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses cyclist trousers made from elasticized material and equipped with a protection pad extending both anteriorly and posteriorly past the area intended to rest on the saddle. The trousers of the present invention also comprise fabric capable of containing and supporting a pregnant woman&#39;s expanded abdominal region throughout all stages of gestation. Such trousers would enable a pregnant woman to comfortably experience the benefits of exercise throughout the duration of her pregnancy.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to athletic attire for a pregnant woman, and in particular to cycling trousers featuring padding and reinforced fabric capable of allowing a pregnant woman to cycle in comfort throughout the duration of her pregnancy. More particularly, the present invention relates to padded maternity cycling trousers featuring a protection pad extending both anteriorly and posteriorly past the area of the cycling trouser intended to rest on the saddle of a bicycle, as well as a reinforced waistband positioned to sit below and support a distended abdomen of a pregnant wearer. This reinforced waistband is made from material capable of stretching to support the wearer's distended abdomen throughout all stages of pregnancy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art is replete with examples of cycling trousers equipped with shaped pads to make a seated position on the bike saddle more comfortable. However, none of these prior art examples are designed with the specific needs of a pregnant woman in mind. Pregnancy, especially the distended abdomen and sensitive pelvic region associated with an advanced pregnancy, make cycling activities particularly uncomfortable. This problem is solved, according to the invention, by cyclist trousers designed specifically to support the anatomy of a pregnant woman. The benefits of aerobic exercise to pregnant women are well known. For example, regular exercise during pregnancy can reduce back pain, ease constipation, decrease a woman's risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery. Regular exercise can also promote a healthy rate of weight gain during pregnancy, strengthen the woman's heart and blood vessels, and promote weight loss after the baby is born.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention promotes exercise in the population of pregnant women in the form of cycling, by making the activity more comfortable and sustainable. Specifically, the padded maternity cycling trousers of the present invention feature a single-layer pad that extends past the pelvic region both anteriorly and posteriorly. Although both the anterior and posterior extensions of the pelvic pad are trapezoidal in shape, the posterior extension is preferably designed to be larger, so as to cover the entire area of the pregnant woman's seat making contact with the bicycle saddle. The present invention also preferably features a wide, reinforced waistband designed to hug the underside of the woman's distended abdomen. The trousers of the present invention are also shaped to accommodate the woman's pregnant belly throughout all gestational stages, up to the time of childbirth. The trousers of the present invention are also preferably manufactured from a material capable of stretching to accommodate the woman's pregnant belly throughout all gestational stages, up to the time of childbirth.

The cycling trousers of the present invention are preferably manufactured from a fabric containing between 20-30% Lycra, or more preferably 27% Lycra, such as Sensitive® Sand Bonded fabric. The present invention contemplates all commercially viable fabric material options capable of stretching to accommodate a pregnant woman's belly through all gestational stages. The trousers of the present invention also optionally include a lining manufactured from the same or a secondary fabric, for which the present invention contemplates all commercially viable fabric material options capable of stretching to accommodate a pregnant woman's belly through all gestational stages. The present invention optionally contemplates assembly from separate pieces of fabric joined together by a cover stitch.

The padding of the present invention is preferably manufactured from polysilicone foam, although the present invention contemplates all commercially viable options capable of providing a comfortable single padding layer between the pregnant woman's pelvic region and the saddle of the bicycle. In all contemplated embodiments of the present invention, the single layer of padding is sandwiched between either two layers of the outer elastic fabric, or a single layer of the outer elastic fabric and a single layer of the inner elastic fabric.

The present invention contemplates a trouser length that extends to any point along the pregnant woman's leg, but most preferably terminates above the woman's knee. The present invention optionally, but preferably features a tacky elastic band that runs around the inner circumference of the trouser opening such that the trouser opening stays in place along the pregnant woman's leg. The present invention contemplates all commercially viable options for the material forming this tacky elastic band.

The present invention also optionally features pockets on the outer sides of the legs, or on the internal side of the waistband designed to contain the pregnant woman's belly.

Before explaining the various embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present embodiment will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the embodiment, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It should be noted that the drawing figures may be in simplified form and might not be to precise scale.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pregnant woman wearing the trousers of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an anterior view of the isolated trousers of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a posterior perspective view of the isolated trousers of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cut-away perspective view of the isolated trousers of the present invention, depicting the posterior portion of the padding.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional perspective of the trousers of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged local perspective view of the trousers of the present invention, highlighting the padding cushioning the wearer's anterior region.

FIG. 7 provides an alternative local perspective view of the trousers of the present invention, highlighting the padding cushioning the rider's posterior region.

The same elements or parts throughout the figures of the drawings are designated by the same reference characters, while equivalent elements bear a prime designation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiment and various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description of the embodiments, which are presented as illustrated examples of the embodiment defined in the claims. It is expressly understood that the embodiment as defined by the claims may be broader than the illustrated embodiments described below. Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pregnant woman wearing the trousers 5 of the present invention on an exercise apparatus 10.

FIG. 2 is an anterior perspective view of the isolated trousers 5, depicting both the anterior portion of the crotch padding 15 and wide, elastic waistband 20 capable of accommodating and partially enclosing the pregnant woman's belly. FIG. 2 also depicts the optional pockets 25 of the present invention, positioned on the wearer's outer leg. FIG. 2 also depicts the optional stitching 40 used to join portions of the elastic fabric to form the entire trouser 5.

FIG. 3 is a posterior perspective view of the isolated trousers 5, depicting the expanded posterior padded region 30 capable of covering the entirety of the wearer's pelvic region making contact with the bicycle saddle. FIG. 3 also depicts the optional tacky elastic bands 35 positioned around the inner circumference of the trouser leg openings. FIG. 3 also depicts the optional stitching 40 used to join portions of the elastic fabric to form the entire trouser 5.

FIG. 4 is a cut-away perspective view of the isolated trousers 5, depicting the posterior portion of the crotch padding 30 residing behind a single outer fabric layer 45. FIG. 4 also depicts a wide, elastic waistband 20 capable of accommodating and partially enclosing the pregnant woman's belly, as well as the optional tacky elastic bands 35 positioned around the inner circumference of the trouser leg openings. FIG. 4 also depicts the optional stitching 40 used to join portions of the elastic fabric to form the entire trouser 5.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional perspective of the inventive trousers 5, taken at cut line 5 of FIG. 2 , showing the single layer of padding 55 residing between the optional inner lining 50 of the trousers 5 and the outer elastic layer of fabric 45, under the wide, elastic waistband 20 capable of accommodating and partially enclosing the pregnant woman's belly. FIG. 5 also depicts the extension of the padding 55 both anteriorly 15 and 30 posteriorly from midline, so as to provide full coverage for all areas of the wearer's seat and pelvic region that will make contact with the bicycle saddle.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged local perspective view of the inventive trousers 5, taken at arrow 6 of FIG. 1 , showing the padding cushioning the rider's anterior region 15 with half of the trousers 5 removed. The padding 15 resides behind a single outer elastic layer of fabric 45. FIG. 6 also depicts the optional pockets 25 of the present invention, positioned on the wearer's outer leg. FIG. 6 also depicts the optional stitching 40 used to join portions of the elastic fabric to form the entire trouser 5, as well as the wide, elastic waistband 20 capable of accommodating and partially enclosing the pregnant woman's belly. In some contemplated embodiments, the reinforced waistband is formed from a double layer of the same partially elasticized material that comprises the remainder of the trousers, such as a fabric containing between 20-30% Lycra, or more preferably 27% Lycra, such as Sensitive® Sand Bonded fabric.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged local perspective view, taken at arrow 7 of FIG. 1 , showing the padding cushioning the rider's posterior region 30 with half of the trousers 5 removed. The padding 30 resides behind a single outer elastic layer of fabric 45. FIG. 7 also depicts the optional stitching 40 used to join portions of the elastic fabric to form the entire trouser 5, as well as the wide, elastic waistband 20 capable of accommodating and partially enclosing the pregnant woman's belly.

For the avoidance of doubt, all contemplated embodiments of the present invention include a protection pad extending both anteriorly and posteriorly past the area of the cycling trouser intended to rest on the saddle of a bicycle. Also, for the avoidance of doubt, all contemplated embodiments of the present invention include a reinforced waistband positioned to sit below and support a distended abdomen of a pregnant wearer. In all contemplated embodiments, the reinforced waistband is made from any material capable of stretching to support the wearer's distended abdomen throughout all stages of pregnancy. In some contemplated embodiments, the reinforced waistband is formed from a double layer of the same partially elasticized material that comprises the remainder of the trousers, such as a fabric containing between 20-30% Lycra, or more preferably 27% Lycra, such as Sensitive® Sand Bonded fabric.

As mentioned above, other embodiments and configurations may be devised without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is: 1) Padded maternity cycling trousers comprising: a. a protection pad extending both anteriorly and posteriorly past the area of the cycling trouser intended to rest on the saddle of a bicycle; b. a reinforced waistband positioned to sit below and support a distended abdomen of a pregnant wearer; c. wherein the reinforced waistband is made from material capable of stretching to support the wearer's distended abdomen throughout all stages of pregnancy; and d. wherein the remainder of the trouser is made from an at least partially elasticized material. 2) The padded maternity cycling trousers of claim 1, wherein the protection pad extends both anteriorly and posteriorly past the pelvic region of the pregnant wearer. 3) The padded maternity cycling trousers of claim 2, wherein the protection pad is a single-layer pad. 4) The padded maternity cycling trousers of claim 2, wherein the portions of the protection pad that extend past the anterior and posterior regions of the pregnant wearer's pelvic region are both trapezoidal in shape. 5) The padded maternity cycling trousers of claim 4, wherein the portion of the protection pad that extends past the posterior of the pregnant wearer's pelvic region is larger than the portion of the protection pad that extends past the anterior of the pregnant wearer's pelvic region. 6) The padded maternity cycling trousers of claim 1, wherein the protection pad is comprised of a single layer of foam material. 7) The padded maternity cycling trousers of claim 1, wherein the protection pad is comprised of a single layer of polysilicone foam. 8) The padded maternity cycling trousers of claim 1, wherein the trouser legs terminate at openings placed above the knees of the pregnant wearer. 9) The padded maternity cycling trousers of claim 8, wherein the trouser legs further comprise a tacky elastic band that runs around the inner circumference of the trouser opening 10) The padded maternity cycling trousers of claim 1, wherein the trouser legs terminate at openings placed at a point below the knee but above the ankle of the pregnant wearer. 11) The padded maternity cycling trousers of claim 10, wherein the trouser legs further comprise a tacky elastic band that runs around the inner circumference of the trouser opening 12) The padded maternity cycling trousers of claim 1, wherein the trouser legs terminate at openings placed at the ankles of the pregnant wearer. 13) The padded maternity cycling trousers of claim 12, wherein the trouser legs further comprise a tacky elastic band that runs around the inner circumference of the trouser opening 14) The padded maternity cycling trousers of claim 1, further comprising pockets on the outer sides of both trouser legs, or on the internal side of the waistband designed to contain the pregnant wearer's distended abdomen. 15) The padded maternity cycling trousers of claim 1, further comprising at least one pocket on the internal side of the reinforced waistband. 16) The padded maternity cycling trousers of claim 1, wherein the trousers are comprised of a partially elasticized fabric containing between 20% and 30% Lycra®. 17) The padded maternity cycling trousers of claim 16, wherein the trousers are comprised of a partially elasticized fabric containing 27% Lycra®. 18) The padded maternity cycling trousers of claim 1, wherein the trousers are comprised of dual layers of partially elasticized fabric. 19) The padded maternity cycling trousers of claim 1, wherein the protection pad is sandwiched between the dual layers of partially elasticized fabric forming the trousers. 20) The padded maternity cycling trousers of claim 1, wherein the reinforced waistband is comprised of a double layer of the partially elasticized material that forms the remainder of the trousers.
 21. Padded maternity cycling trousers comprising: a. a protection pad extending both anteriorly and posteriorly past the pelvic region of a pregnant wearer, wherein the protection pad is a single-layer foam pad sandwiched between dual layers of elasticized fabric forming the trousers, and wherein those portions of the protection pad that extend past the anterior and posterior regions of the pregnant wearer's pelvic region are both trapezoidal in shape, and wherein the portion of the protection pad that extends past the posterior of the pregnant wearer's pelvic region is larger than the portion of the protection pad that extends past the anterior of the pregnant wearer's pelvic region; b. a reinforced waistband positioned to sit below and support a distended abdomen of the pregnant wearer, wherein the reinforced waistband is comprised of [INSERT] and capable of stretching to support the wearer's distended abdomen throughout all stages of pregnancy; c. two tacky elastic bands that run around the inner circumference of both trouser openings at any point along the legs of the pregnant wearer; and d. pockets on the outer sides of both trouser legs, or on the internal side of the waistband designed to contain the pregnant wearer's distended abdomen. wherein the remainder of the trouser is made from an at least partially elasticized fabric containing between 20% and 30% Lycra®. 